Ottawa Senators Sign Erik Karlsson to Seven-Year Deal

The Ottawa Senators have locked up an important piece of their team by re-signing defenseman Erik Karlsson to a seven-year contract extension worth $45.5 million.  The deal averages out to $6.5 million per season.  He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1 and could have been a prime target for an offer sheet.  In 81 games this past season, he had 19 goals and 59 assists for 78 points.  He won the Norris Trophy this past Wednesday as the NHL's Top Defenseman for the 2011-12 season.  This is an excellent signing for the Senators, as Karlsson has loads of defensive upside.  He has exceptional offensive skill and hockey sense on the blueline, is a great skater, has excellent puck-moving ability, lots of talent on the power play, and a good shot.  Look for Karlsson to become one of the elite and top defenseman in the NHL over the next few seasons, as well as a likely annual finalist for the Norris Trophy.